Greenwich's Catherine Cabano tries to block the shot of Hannah Dougherty during their game at Westhill High School in Stamford, Conn., on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013. Greenwich won, 3-0.
Photo: Jason Rearick

Westhill's Stephanie Roones tries to spike the ball during the Vikings' game against Greenwich at Westhill High School in Stamford, Conn., on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013. Greenwich won, 3-0.
Photo: Jason Rearick

Westhill's Stephanie Roones tries to block the shot of Greenwich's Xanthi Katsigiannis during their game at Westhill High School in Stamford, Conn., on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013. Greenwich won, 3-0.
Photo: Jason Rearick

Westhill's Hannah Dougherty, left, and Stephanie Roones try to block the shot of Greenwich's Mirei Kato during their game at Westhill High School in Stamford, Conn., on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013. Greenwich won, 3-0.
Photo: Jason Rearick

STAMFORD -- In a sport like volleyball where communication and chemistry are key, there is no substitute for experience.

With a battle-tested, senior laden roster, Greenwich High School has a load of experience on its side and it certainly shows.

Passing the serve well and exhibiting strong play at the net, the Cardinals put another impressive conference victory in the books Monday, registering a 3-0 win over host Westhill.

Senior Mirei Kato recorded 12 kills, 12 service points, two blocks and one ace for Greenwich, which won the FCIAC match by game scores of 25-12, 25-16, 25-13. The Cardinals, who raised their record to 4-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play, were also sparked by senior outside hitter Heather Desino (10 service points, four kills, three aces), senior setter Xanthi Katsigiannis (21 assists, two digs) and senior middle hitter Catherine Cabano (five kills).

"I really like the way we are playing," Desino said. "We're jelling as a team because we have a lot of returning players. At this point of the season we feel good with where we're at."

After advancing to the CIAC Class LL quarterfinals a year ago, Greenwich entered this season determined to meet its high expectations.

"We have a senior heavy team and we believe we have the potential to go far in states and FCIACs," Desino said. "When we play strong defense like we did today, it makes our offense comes together and everything clicks."

Westhill (3-4, 2-4 FCIAC) received 12 kills and two blocks from senior Stephanie Roones and eight service points and 14 assists from senior Nikki Boutsikoudis.

"Greenwich communicated really well out there and made some nice plays," Roones said. "Their defense was better than ours and they're a strong serving team."

The Cardinals opened a 19-10 lead in the first game on a kill by senior middle hitter Jessie Schelz and a block by Desino. With the visitors leading 21-12, Kato served out the opening game.

"Today, we worked on using different shots and did good job of finding the openings on the court," said Kato, a member of the squad since her freshman year when the Cardinals won the state title. "We cut down on the unforced errors and used a lot of variety."

The Cards was solid in most aspects en route to convincingly winning the second game.

"Mirei played real smart, she does a great job of reading the defense," said GHS coach Steve Lapham, who is in his 22nd season at the helm. "Offensively, once we got the ball closer to the net we took over the match. Ashley (Rispoli, six digs) did a nice job if picking up tips and Xanthi and Heather played great. This is the best volleyball we have played this year."

Said Katsigiannis: "We have really good chemistry, which helps us move the ball smoothly and have good flow with our offense. Heather provided really consistent hitting and kept it in play throughout and Mirei is a strong contributor and helps us when we're out of system."

The Vikings kept it close for a while in the third game. A block by Roones and a kill by junior Devon Pearson (five kills for the match) gave Westhill a 6-4 edge -- a lead they relinquished.

"We had the lead for a while and saw a spark in our team," Roones said. "Unfortunately, we let them take the lead and the game. They're a very tough, experienced team."

"We have a young team, but we feel like we're getting better with each match," Vikings coach Ali Walsh said. "Greenwich's passing was very strong throughout the match."

Kato, Cabano and Katsigiannis kept the Vikings on the defensive with well-placed serves and Desino was a force on the outside in the final game.

"They're moving well, talking -- they're all seniors out there they have to have chemistry, they can't wait until next year," a smiling Lapham said. "I tell them, you're all seniors, let's go. This is your year."